East Buch earns runner-up finish at state golf

MARSHALLTOWN - The approach was simple and effective.

East Buchanan came in focusing on doing its best and left with a large trophy.

The Bucs improved last year's finish, placing second at the Iowa High School Athletic Association Class 1A state golf meet Saturday at the American Legion Golf Course. East Buchanan fired 317, shooting a two-round total 324, which was 20 shots back of Algona Garrigan.

Garrigan, which won its second straight title and third in four years, distanced itself from the field and East Buchanan created a similar gap between second and third, owning a 16-stroke edge over third-place New London.

'We improved all year long,” East Buchanan Coach Scott Zhiss said. 'Our numbers kept getting better. We were hoping to play well down here, if we got here. I'm proud of the way they held in there.”

Sophomore Chris Cooksley led the way with a second-round score of 77. Hunter Schulte shot 78. Senior Tyler Hare posted his second straight 80 and freshman Jacob Hesner added an 82 to round out the scoring for East Buchanan.

Cooksley, Schulte, Hesner and sophomore Ryan Schmitt come back with state tournament experience next year. They create a strong nucleus to build around for a title run.

'We have to fill a couple holes,” Zhiss said. 'We have some young kids in the wings, who show promise. Hopefully, they play this summer and improve. I know we'll be trying to get back here.”

Conditions added another challenge on the second day. A strong wind blew across the course, while temperatures remained chilly.

'You just hope it breaks in your favor somehow,” Zhiss said. 'It makes the day a little less enjoyable.”

The day was a little bittersweet for Cooksley. The defending individual champion held a one-stroke lead after the first round, but earned a tie for third. Cooksley, who shot 70 Friday, recorded a total of 147.

'It's just motivation for next year,” Cooksley said. 'I played well (Saturday). I just couldn't make putts. Everything else went well.”

Winfield-Mount Union freshman Kaleb Hagge won medalist honors with a 145, shooting 71 Saturday. Garrigan's Logan Capesius was second at 146. Schulte tied for ninth with 153 and Hare tied for 19th with 160.

Cooksley said he understands many golfers would like to trade places with him, but the results were still tough to swallow. He plans to start working on improvements immediately, trying to return to the top next season.

'Practice harder (and) practice more,” Cooksley said about off-season focus. 'It's just about determination.”

At the 3A state meet hosted by Spring Valley Golf Course in Livermore, Mount Vernon placed second after getting third at the 2A meet a year ago.

The Mustangs shot 637, which was 11 back of champion Webster City.

Mount Vernon's Connor Herrmann tied for third, shooting a total of 152. Clear Lake's Dane Waldron won the 3A individual title with 150.

Decorah placed fifth and was led by Sam Sacquitne, who tied for sixth with 153. Williamsburg's Zach Buch was 11th with 156.

South Winneshiek's Logan Schweinefus tied for second in the 2A state meet at Ames Golf and Country Club. He shot two rounds of 75 for a 150 total. The Warriors' Anthony Emanuel tied for eighth with 155. South Winn finished third in the team race.

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